THIS INVASIVE SPECIES WEEK (22–28 June), Canal & River Trust is calling on people to help protect their local waterway.
By joining the volunteers who help keep the nation’s canals clear by removing fast‑growing aquatic weeds.
Efforts essential
Every year, volunteers join floating pennywort removal parties and 'balsam bashing' sessions—removing invasive Himalayan balsam—along the 2,000 miles of canals and rivers. Their efforts are essential in tackling invasive plants that can quickly take over waterways, blocking boats, trapping litter and harming wildlife.
With the spring heatwave providing perfect growing conditions for the invasive plants, the need to tackle the weeds is greater than ever, Canal & River Trust is running volunteer events throughout the summer.
Richard Bennett, nature recovery manager at Canal & River Trust,tells:
“Invasive species like Himalayan balsam and floating pennywort are a massive headache for our charity every summer. One of the best ways to remove them is by hand, which is a time consuming and painstaking but hugely important task. We simply couldn’t do this work without the time, tenacity and passion of our amazing volunteers. Getting involved is fun, sociable and makes a real difference to the places people love.”
Begin to grow quickly
Every summer invasive species such as floating pennywort, Himalayan balsam, water fern, and fast‑spreading duckweed, begin to grow rapidly. Some can double in size within hours, forming dense green mats that clog the nation’s waterways. Some of the weed species are non-native and highly invasive. Thick layers of weed can block out sunlight, reduce ecological diversity and deprive the water of oxygen, harming aquatic life. Canal & River Trust removes over 2,500 tonnes of invasive weed across canals and river navigations, at a cost of more than £1 million, every year.
To stay on top of the problem, the Trust uses a mix of approaches. Weed‑harvesting boats help to remove large quantities from the water, while hand‑removal by volunteers remains vital, especially in hard‑to‑reach spots. Ecologists in some regions release specialist weevils that feed on floating pennywort and water fern: a natural, chemical‑free way to control these plants.
Climate change
Adds Richard:
“Climate change is extending the growing season for these plants, so the more hands we have, the better, Our canals are precious spaces for millions of people and home to some of our best‑loved wildlife. Helping out for even an hour can make a big difference and we’d love more people to get involved."
Everyone spending time on the water is asked to remember to Check, Clean, Dry:
Check boats, equipment and clothing for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material, which should be removed and left at site.
Clean everything thoroughly, paying attention to areas that are damp and hard to access.
Dry everything for as long as possible before using elsewhere.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer to help protect your local canal, visit: canalrivertrust.org.uk.
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